‘Live PD’ To Return With New Coronavirus-Themed Episodes This Weekend

Live PD wants to focus on the coronavirus pandemic. The A&E series wants to return earlier than expected with new coronavirus-themed specials. The new special will address the COVID-19 outbreak and how it affects first responders.

A post shared by Live PD on A&E (@officiallivepd) on Mar 27, 2020 at 10:16am PDT

A&E series will return this weekend with new coronavirus-themed specials

Variety reported that Live PD: Special Edition will air for one hour on Friday and for two hours on Saturday night, both at 9 p.m. Both of these specials will air in place of the regular three-hour Live PD episodes on Friday and Saturday nights. The reality series was originally on a hiatus for the past three weeks.

But this marks the show’s first return since most of the nation started practicing self-isolating and social distancing. The special episodes will include exclusive interviews with medical authorities and testimonials from government and law enforcement officials. It will also include facts and reports from nationwide hospitals. The special episodes will also give viewers a glimpse at the people who are on the front line of the pandemic, including EMTs in New Orleans.

A post shared by Live PD on A&E (@officiallivepd) on Apr 1, 2020 at 12:43pm PDT

Here is some information about the show from Elaine Frontain Bryant, A&E executive VP and head of programming.

“These special editions of ‘Live PD’ will deliver a unique point of view and invaluable perspective that isn’t being heard anywhere else on television during this worldwide crisis. Through first-hand accounts from the front lines and stories of true citizen heroes, the series will continue to serve the audience valuable information that we hope will aid in keeping everyone healthy and safe. Our thoughts are with everyone during this uncertain time.”

The episodes will also feature public service announcements from the First Responders Children’s Foundation COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund. This organization offers support to first responder families who are experiencing financial hardship during the pandemic. A&E will also encourage viewers to stay safe during the outbreak using the hashtags #FirstRespondersStrong and #WeAreHereWithYou.

Live PD special is not your typical show

Live PD: Special Edition is not in the same format. Host Dan Abrams and analysts Tom Morris Jr. and Sean “Sticks” Larkin will film from their respective homes, including most of the crew. A&E revealed that a limited production team will follow the federal, local, and state directives.

It’s unclear how the regular Live PD shows will continue. It’s likely that it will be filmed with a limited crew and a revised schedule that will focus on regular subjects as well as the coronavirus.